Paul Murphy was awarded the 2014 Massey Award for consistent and committed volunteer service to the Fort Hunt Little League program at Fort Hunt Little League’s Opening Day Ceremony on April 5.
Murphy has been involved with the Fort Hunt Little League baseball community as a player, umpire, League Commissioner and President for over 40 years. He played from 1970 - 1976 and over the years, he has served as Commissioner of each League through Majors and was elected President in 2004, a position he held for 10 years. As President, he also served as a member of the Virginia District 9 Little League Board of Directors for 10 years.
Murphy was an active and innovative Little League President and guided Fort Hunt through many changes. He amended base running rules in the AAA League to keep it competitive for players of all skill levels which has endured and been embraced by succeeding boards as the “Murphy Rule.”
In 2006, he instituted annual “All League” games to recognize top players in the AAA and Majors Leagues which were expanded to the Minors League instituted in 2013 during his tenure.
He also established the “Parade of Teams” at the annual Opening Day Ceremonies and morphed Home Run Derby into Family Fun Day. He also started the annual tradition of Fort Hunt hosting Opening Day for District 9 All-Star teams.
Murphy presided over major facility and field renovations including a major renovation of Red Stevens Field in 2008. He also constructed the partnership between travel baseball and Fort Hunt Little League and guided Fort Hunt Little League through its 50th anniversary season!
Over the years, Fort Hunt Little League hosted nine District 9 all-star tournaments and won six All-Star tournaments: five District 9 Championships: 2004 9/10’s, 2005 11’s, 2006 Majors, 2008 Junior League, 2009 Junior League, and the 2005 11 Virginia State Championship.
The 10 years of Murphy’s presidency was a period of growth for Fort Hunt Little League: T-Ball and A leagues grew from 185 players in 2004 to 313 in 2013. The fact that 68 different individuals served on Paul Murphy-led Fort Hunt Little League Boards of Directors during his 10-year tenure illustrates his commitment to service and leadership. He is staying on as an umpire and draft manager.